Semi Crazy Truck Show looking to ‘bring back the past’ with antique truck showcase

Dozens of antique tractors and semi trucks will be showcased in North Carolina this weekend as part of an annual tradition. 

The Ole Smokey Antique Tractor Show and Semi Crazy Truck Show will take place on Friday, May 7th and Saturday, May 8th at the former Haywood County Fairgrounds at 758 Crabtree Road in Waynesville, North Carolina. 

According to The Mountaineer News, this year marks the 25th anniversary of the yearly show founded by Gus Ledford and Gil Henry.

“Ledford had a vision of bringing back the past,” said Darren Wade, current president of the Ole Smoky Antique Tractor & Engine Association. “Him and several more people got together and the event grew from there. We are trying to keep the tradition going and keep the show going. We want to continue the tradition of showing how they used to farm versus what they do now. A lot of the innovation of the tractors they used in the 40s and 50s are just like the ones we use today,” Wade added. 

“The younger generation doesn’t really understand it — that’s why we’re trying to get young people interested and carry on the tradition.”

In addition to the vintage trucks, farm equipment, and trailers, the show will feature food trucks, wagon rides, tractor train rides, a parade, vendors, raffles,live music, and a semi truck light show. 

“The truck show will have everything from working trucks on the road to show trucks to everything else,” Wade said. “There will be plenty for people to see and look at for hours.”

The show is free to the public, but donations are appreciated. 

The two-day event will be open on Friday, May 7 from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. with the light show at dusk, and on Saturday, May 8 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

For more information, visit the website here.